Carlisle United boss Keith Curle believes not enough managers have been consulted about proposed changes to the summer transfer window.

EFL clubs, at a meeting on Thursday, indicated they would be in favour of an earlier closure of the transfer window from next season onwards.

With a formal vote expected in February, it looks increasingly likely that Carlisle will have to do any permanent transfer deals before the start of the 2018/19 season.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Crewe, Curle was unwilling to give his opinion on whether or not he agreed with the potential change.

But the Carlisle manager did suggest his own profession's views are not being taken into account in general.

"It's disappointing that managers don't get asked," Curle said.

"I think it's important that key stakeholders in the game have a discussion with managers and head coaches - that should be paramount before they start having debates and discussions about the betterment of the game.

"Speak to people on the coalface about whether they agree with the situation and what knock-on effect it will have to them.

"Until that becomes the case I'm not prepared to give my view publicly."

Asked if United's hierarchy asked for his views before representing the Blues at Thursday's 72-club meeting, Curle said: "Internally, we did it as a football club, I had conversations with John [Nixon, co-owner] and Nigel [Clibbens, chief executive] to gauge my thoughts, and my rationale and reasonings, and arguments.

"That's how it should be done - at least they've then got a balanced view of what my thoughts are."

The News & Star has asked United to comment on its stance on the matter in light of the EFL statement that followed Thursday's meeting.

While it seems likely that permanent deals will have to be done before the start of next season, the EFL statement added that they could adopt a slightly different approach to the Premier League, by allowing loan deals to continue until the "traditional" end of the window on August 31.

"Clubs overwhelmingly supported the approach," the organisation added.

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said the meeting was was about "understanding a direction of travel in what is a hugely emotive matter not only for clubs and managers but supporters as well."

Harvey added: "The clubs have been clear in their mandate and we will now go away and look to develop a set of proposals before moving this matter on to the next stage, which would be a formal vote in order to change our regulations.”

Among other matters discussed was the possibility of using four or five substitutes in a match.

"Clubs were asked to consider the matter and have opted not to progress further at this current time," the statement said.

A fourth substitute was introduced in the Carabao Cup this season, eligible to be fielded in extra-time.

The EFL clubs also began a "formal" consultation regarding the conduct of club owners, directors and executives, following a series of recent controversies.

The running of clubs like Leyton Orient under former owner Francesco Becchetti has brought heavy criticism.

The EFL say they are trying to establish whether concerns arising from such episodes can be dealt with under existing rules or if reform is required.

It could see the development of guidelines where the EFL could intervene in the running of clubs and take regulatory action if it is deemed certain conduct brings a club and/or the EFL into disrepute.